All That Music & Video’s strength is in catering music in Spanish to our in-the-know Latin customers. Whether you are looking for the classics or the latest we have it in-store.
Posted by frito182 On February - 6 - 2010ADD COMMENTS
Singer/actress Alejandra Guzman was born into a performing family, the daughter of Mexican actressSilvia Pinal and Mexican rock star Enrique Guzman. Appropriately enough for a celebrity baby, she made her first TV appearance when she was just two months old. She spent her childhood preparing to be a well-known performer in her own right, singing, dancing and traveling with her mom’s theatrical troupe. Following her mother’s wishes, she didn’t pursue a perfoming career fully until she finished school; after she graduated, the 17 year-old Guzman appeared in a production of Mame with her mother. From that day, she knew she wanted to be a singer.
After teaming up with producer Miguel Blasco, Guzman recorded her debut album Bye Mama, which was number one in Mexico within days of its release. She released albums almost yearly after her debut and enjoyed a large, enthusiastic fanbase throughout Latin America. Though Guzman encountered some personal problems in the mid- and late ’90s, including a stay in rehab and a divorce, she brought her career full circle in 1998 by appearing onstage with her mother once more, this time in a production of Gypsy, and released her twelfth album Algo Natural in 1999.
Posted by Serge On January - 12 - 2010ADD COMMENTS
Esteban Velasquez is a 19 year old from Odessa, TX that despite his age; is already a seasoned performer. Esteban started singing when he was only 9 years old in talent shows all over Texas, quickly gaining comparisons to Pepe Aguilar and Vicente Fernandez. A guitar player as well, Esteban understood early on that he had to learn an instrument to be successful in this business as an all around performer. With no barrier on musical genre; Esteban can sing Mariachi, Banda, Pop, Tejano, Norteno, and Tex Mex, in both English and Spanish. At the young age of 15 in Texas Esteban earned best male vocalist 2 years in a row in competitions throughout the state; which led him to the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Contest, it is the biggest Mariachi Competition in the US. Esteban placed 2nd two years in a row out of over 5000 contestants and in the 3rd year of the contest, Esteban won the coveted “Best Mariachi Vocalist in The U.S.” award. It was there that Esteban met Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan and was asked to tour with Mariachi Vargas. Esteban has also shared the staged with acts like Joan Sebastian, Pepe Aguilar, Lupillo Rivera, Banda Rocodo and many, many more. This past year marked the turning point for Esteban as he was only one of the 22 chosen out of over 140,000 other contestants to appear on the hit TV Show La Academia by TV Azteca. This is the #1 reality show in Mexico and Esteban quickly became a fan favorite because of his personality and focus. Esteban was on the show for 3 ½ months and the La Academia judges saw in Esteban exactly what the rest of the world did; looks talent, humbleness, and drive. Esteban’s fans have grown worldwide and have shown their support for this young entertainer by reaching him on MySpace and YouTube; from Brazil, Mexico, Spain, The US, even Japan and Germany. After what many believed to be an unfair elimination, Esteban immediately went back to work touring and performing at venues all over the country, Esteban’s Mother Cristela Velasquez is his direct manager. Esteban is currently working on new records while actively seeking a label deal. Esteban will be making appearances this year at the annual Tejano Music Fan Fair in San Antonio, TX which is expected to draw over 150,000 fans in a span of 3 days.
Esteban Velasquez’s newest release “Ladron De Amores” is now available at All That Music & Video for $11.99
Posted by frito182 On December - 26 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
More than just the undisputed king of Mexico’s traditional ranchera music, Vicente Fernández — “El Idolo de Mexico” — is one of that country’s most recognizable and influential cultural icons. Since his emergence in the mid-’60s, Fernández’s popularity has escalated to the point that his status among Mexicans and Mexican-Americans has been likened to that of Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley in the United States. His concerts both in Mexico and the U.S. routinely sell out despite a near-total dearth of non-Latino media coverage, and his 100-plus albums have reportedly sold in excess of 50 million copies. Fernández has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, has been nominated for Grammy Awards, and has collected a number of honors, including being named Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy in 2002 and garnering membership in the International Latin Music Hall of Fame.
With his supersized sombreros, prominent black mustache, and eye-popping costumes, and an orchestra overpopulated with horns and strings players in glittery, matching mariachi outfits, the glitzy Fernández on-stage is an imposing, larger-than-life figure. Matching his visual presentation is an operatic voice that plumbs the depths of the emotional spectrum to connect on an intimate level with his audience, which relates to the singer’s humble beginnings and everyman song lyrics. Vicente Fernández Gomez was born February 17, 1940, in Huentitan del Alto, Jalisco, Mexico. His youth was marked by struggle. Forced to drop out of school in the fifth grade to help support his family, he held a number of odd jobs. He began to sing and play guitar at age eight and won amateur contests almost from the start. Fernández lore claims that he would go to Guadalajara, where he would stop cars and offer to sing for the drivers for a few pesos. By the early ’60s, he had turned semi-professional, singing with local mariachi bands. Moving to Mexico City, he joined Pepe Mendoza’s band, Amanecer, and then the band led by José Luis Aguilar.
In Mexico City, Fernández was regularly rejected by record labels, but he was finally noticed by CBS Mexico in 1966. His career did not take off quickly. Although he managed to sell modest quantities of albums and singles, began appearing in Mexican films (he has been in more than 25 to date), and logged such hit singles as “Tu Camino y el Mio” and “Cantina del Barrio,” it wasn’t until 1976, ten years into his recording career, that Fernández truly began his ascent to the top. “Volver, Volver,” a ranchera written by Fernando Z. Maldonado, became a massive hit, its lyrics of forgiveness in a relationship touching a nerve among listeners. The song established Fernández not only in his home country but among other Spanish-speaking populations, including the millions of Mexican-Americans in the United States. Many Mexican music groups covered the song when they performed live.
From that point on, Fernández could seemingly do no wrong. His every single and album was a hit, and the public adored him. He became the first performer to sell out Mexico’s Plaza de Toros bullfighting stadium, singing to over 50,000 fans. In the U.S., he has sold out such large-capacity venues as New York’s Madison Square Garden, where he once shared a bill with his son, Alejandro Fernández, himself a major singing star. Vicente Fernández, Jr., one of the star’s other sons, is also a well-known singer. In 2005, Fernández opened a covered rodeo arena on his ranch outside of Guadalajara. He named it after himself.
Posted by frito182 On December - 26 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
One of Mexico’s biggest international superstars around the turn of the millennium, Alejandro Fernández first established himself in the early ’90s as a champion of ranchera music before crossing over to the Latin pop mainstream in 1997 with the chart-topping album Me Estoy Enamorando. Born on April 24, 1971, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Fernández is the son of ranchera icon Vincente Fernández, which inspired the media to nickname him El Potrillo (the Little Colt). Beginning with his self-titled debut album in 1992, Fernández followed in the footsteps of his father, performing traditional Mexican music of the Jalisco region such as mariachi. While this phase of Fernández’s career — including the albums Alejandro Fernandez (1992), Piel de Niña (1993), Grandes Exitos a la Manera de Alejandro Fernandez (1994), Que Seas Muy Feliz (1995), and Muy Dentro de Mi Corazón (1996), all of which were produced by Pedro Ramírez — spawned a steady series of hit singles, his career skyrocketed to new heights of success with the release of Me Estoy Enamorando (1997). Produced by Emilio Estefan, Jr. and Kike Santander — far and away the preeminent Latin pop production team of the era — the album marked the crossover of Fernández into the realm of mainstream pop. Not only did Me Estoy Enamorando itself top Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart; it also spawned four Hot Latin Tracks chart-toppers: “Si Tú Supieras,”“En el Jardín” (a duet with Gloria Estefan), “No Sé Olvidar,” and “Yo Nací Para Amarte.” As if to reassure his fan base that he hadn’t abandoned his roots, Fernández reunited with longtime producer Pedro Ramírez next and returned to ranchera music on Mi Verdad (1999) before collaborating once again with Estefan and Santander on another pop-oriented chart-topper, Entre Tus Brazos (2000). In subsequent years, Fernández continued to alternate between traditional albums of ranchera music (Orígenes, 2001; Niña, Amada Mía, 2003) and those oriented toward contemporary Latin pop (A Corazón Abierto, 2004; Viento a Favor, 2007). In addition, he began regularly releasing live in-concert albums (Un Canto de México, 2002; En Vivo: Juntos por Ultima Vez, 2003; México-Madrid: En Directo y Sin Escalas, 2005) and also released his first greatest-hits collection, 15 Años de Éxitos (2008).
With his unmistakable voice and charisma, PeeWee has become America’s “Latin Sweetheart” and at his young age has assembled quite an impressive list of achievements and successes.
PeeWee initially began his career as a member of the Kumbia Kings, and then later as a member of the Kumbia All Starz. PeeWee achieved great popularity and stardom as the lead vocalist of various chart-topping hits such as “Sabes A Chocolate,” “Na Na Na” (Mi Dulce Niña), “Speedy Gonzalez,” and “Chiquilla.”
After a successful run with the groups, PeeWee made his solo musical debut during the network television broadcast of Premios Juventud 2008, where he performed his hit single “Life is a Dance Floor”. The audience response reached a fevered pitch, and the single went on to become a summer anthem, achieving multi-format, radio chart success throughout the United States.
In late 2008, PeeWee participated in the popular reality television program “Show de los Sueños: Sangre de Mi Sangre” and quickly won over the hearts of millions of viewers throughout the United States, Mexico and Latin America. PeeWee won the program’s talent contest, and given his popularity amongst viewers, was invited to participate for the show’s second season. During the second season, PeeWee competed against several major artists including Gloria Trevi, Kalimba and Edith Marquez and following his performance during the season finale, he once again notched first place honors.
PeeWee’s debut release, “YO SOY” was recorded in the U.S. and Mexico and was produced by some of the industry’s top Latin producers including Luny Tunes and Carlos Lara of RBD fame.
It is no exaggeration to say that Jenni Rivera is one of the most polarizing figures in regional Mexican music. Her hardcore fans absolutely adore her, while her detractors aren’t just mildly critical of her gutsy, often in-your-face approach to banda — they are vehemently critical. Is there a middle ground? Absolutely. Discussions of Rivera’s work aren’t necessarily confined to either total praise or total condemnation; there is room for nuance. And in fact, Rivera’s recordings themselves have plenty of nuance; nuance abounds on Jenni, which marks the first time Rivera did all the producing on one of her albums. Certainly, Jenni has its share of anger; Rivera has long been known for embracing irreverent, in-your-face lyrics, and that hasn’t changed. But Rivera has hardly been one-dimensional. So even though Jenni demonstrates that the Los Angeles resident can be inflammatory at times, this 44-minute CD has a range of other qualities as well. Among them: vulnerability, warmth, and compassion. Emotionally, there has been a lot of complexity in Rivera’s work — and that is another thing that hasn’t changed. Nonetheless, Jenni is unlikely to win over the people who have been highly critical of Rivera in the past; folks who never acknowledged the nuance and complexity of Se Las Voy a Dar a Otro, Parrandera, Rebelde y Atrevida, or Mi Vida Loca aren’t going to suddenly change their minds about Rivera after hearing this 2008 release. But the disc will easily appeal to those who have been able to comprehend and appreciate her artistry, and while Jenni isn’t among Rivera’s essential releases, it is still an engaging and memorable addition to her catalog.
There are only a handful credited Tejano music artists with more than one Spanish and English-language top chart radio hits, aside from Trini Lopez, Rene and Rene, or Selena. Their music became classic by sharing familiarities of the human condition… love. Most melodies soon became familiar to the heart of those who identified with the lyrics. Today, Mexican-American baby-boomers have memorized songs like: “Put Me in Jail;” “Smile Now, Cry Later;” and “The One Who’s Hurting is You” radio favorites from the 60’s. Making such an impact within the Tejano culture, it’s not surprising to find these song titles tattooed to a Macho body or two. These classic hits contributed to a national focus on a Texas act like Sunny and the Sunliners, creating a path for the first-ever breakout Texas bands and converting them forever into one of the original forces behind the genre now known as the Chicano Soul. In the early 60’s, Chicano Soul was simply part of the overall American rock & roll landscape with the youthful Tex-Mex generation. The creative wordsmith behind those well-penned hits can be traced to the talents of Rudy Palacios, former guitarist, songwriter and vocalist with Sunny and the Sunliners band.
Today, Rudy is proud to unveil a brand new collection of straight ahead Tejano tunes titled Canciones Del Corazón (Songs from the Heart). The album is his love letter to a genre which took him on a magical ride among the stars and fed his thirst for music throughout the better part of his early adulthood.
With Sunny and the Sunliners, Rudy Palacios discovered both the joy and pain on a fast-track life in pursuit of the next gig and musical success. Though he wouldn’t have guessed it at the time, that race would also result in musical immortality. As one of the Sunliners, Rudy headlined shows at the Hollywood Palladium, shared a bill with Chuck Berry and toured with Archie Bell & the Drells as a favor for a Houston radio promoter hoping to get his nephew Bell in front of nationwide audiences before calling it quits. During a year that also marked the end of an era, Palacios packed it up to pick up where he’d left off a decade before as a starry-eyed youngster.
Along the way, Rudy made enough of impression on the Original soul group The Platters to earn him a position with the group. In hindsight Palacios, was like a walking museum of musical legend and lore, a man who carried his red hollow-body ES 335 Gibson guitar humbly among giants and then came home to build a family to live the American Dream. Through the years Rudy played the local club circuit, corporate engagements and cultural events to keep his craft defined to the music trends and sharpened his skills at penning new well-versed songs.
Canciones Del Corazón, while climbing the chart rapidly, is one of the most versatile releases on the Tejano music landscape recognized for its smooth dance, modern arrangements and textured rhythm styles. It’s not easy moving from a Cha-Cha-Cha to a traditional Bolero, then segue to a Cumbia and slowing it down with an Oldie. Featuring one English-language track, the 1965 Mel Carter hit “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, in a version that will tingle baby-boomer’s spine, along with nine heavy-weight Tejano destined to be classics like, “Algun Dia, Te Regalo El Corazón, Que Bueno Es El Amor.” Canciones Del Corazón delivers a full body, fresh flavor for Tejano music lovers. Palacios’ version partnered up with Tejano Glory Days vocalist Jimmy Edward, on the signature Little Joe song “Las Nubes” which restores the Chicano national anthem to its rightful place as a call to action and an expression of pride for all Mexican-American citizens. If for those tracks alone, the album is worth the price of admission. Between tracks and history, Rudy Palacios offers a lifetime of talent and the eternal soul of a true Tejano troubadour.
Rudy Palacios’ new album “Que Vivan Los Tejanos” now at All That Music & Video!
Astonishingly, this is ranchera superstar Vicente Fernández’s 81st album, following on the success of 2008’s Grammy-winning Para Siempre. The title track of Necesito de Ti , composed by Grammy nominee Manuel Toscano, is of particular interest in that Fernández chose to release it on May 5, 2009, the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a significant event in Mexican history. As befits that gesture, the still vocally virile Fernández remains the most traditional of ranchera traditionalists even while maintaining his commercial viability well into the new century.
Aventura didn’t become the kings of bachata by deserting their large and devoted fan base to cater to the mainstream, and it’s no different on The Last — despite the fact that the album includes features for a parade of crossover suspects: Wyclef Jean and Ludacris on one track, plus Akon and Wisin y Yandel on another. No, the lead track on The Last — the number one Latin hit “Por un Segundo” — is straight bachata, rhythmic and sweet, and there happen to be plenty of tender ballads to follow it. Not only that, but the crossover features are held to the last half of the album, where Wyclef Jean produces his own surprisingly sugary “Spanish Fly,” and Akon and Wisin y Yandel appear on the Auto-Tuned reggaeton track “All Up 2 You.” As usual, the band is anchored by Santos brothers Lenny and Max, along with longtime collaborator Eric “Bori” Rivera. Consolidating the quartet’s power, The Last became Aventura’s biggest album hit yet, reaching number five on the charts.
Aventura’s video for “Por Un Segundo”.
“The Last” available at All That Music & Video now!
Born December 23 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Stefani Montiel (Stefani Barela Sullivan) arrived with a rich cultural lineage extending to Mexico, Spain, Germany and Italy. Her Mexican-American roots, nevertheless, are her source of pride and the solid foundation for her life and her music.
While growing up, Stefani would watch and listen to Emilio Barela, her grandfather, as he played his accordion along classic rancheras. Her father, Dwight Sullivan also provided musical nourishment to the future Tejano superstar while performing with his band, Los Chavos, in New Mexico. At age three, in exchange for a bowl of cherries and a soda pop, Stefani made her singing debut to the amazement of everyone present, showing great poise and a naturally sweet and smooth voice.
The music world gave Stefani a warm welcome upon the release of her first single at age five. Side A featured “Rancho Grande” while side B broke into the airwaves with “Que Grande El Amor de Dios.” By age nine, Stefani recorded her first album “ANGEL BABY.” Besides the classic “Angel Baby” the album included three major hits “Las Gaviotas,” “Flor De Las Flores,” and “Blue Bayou.” Her second Long Play album was released when she turned fifteen years old, simply title “Listen to My Music” including a mixture of Country, Pop, and classic rancheras.
Searching for a future in the music business, Stefani moved to San Antonio, Texas in hopes of realizing greater fame. Her success was immediate with two major hits- “Primer Beso” and “Tú y Nadie Más.” She was soon signed to a long term contract with Sony Discos and released “TE VOY A ENAMORAR” which established her as a major force in the Tejano music industry. Other hits off this album were “Celos” and “Soy Feliz” which received national airplay, as well as the title track and accompanying video “Te Voy a Enamorar” featuring actor MARIO LOPEZ.
The first visit to Mexico, for Stefani, was a complete success due in part to her incredible charisma, impressive vocal power, and stunning beauty. She was named the Queen of the Monterrey Fair after giving a rousing performance before more than 100,000 fans.
The second album, “TODO MI AMOR” proved that Stefani was not a “one-hit wonder” and expanded her fan-base by including more of a “Pop” feel to some of the songs. Hits like “Sabado en la Noche”, “Angel en el Cielo”, and “Contigo” showcased her powerful range and smooth vocals. It became obvious to the public and industry insiders that they were witnessing the work of a major star with the ability to crossover into any type of music. Radio airplay increased to a frenzied level featuring hits from the previous album as well as “TODO MI AMOR.”
Her next release “PORQUE SOY MUJER” (Because I am a Woman) delivered still more hits including the title track, which established an important link of communication between the Tejano songbird and her loyal female fans. Songs that are now standards include “Porque Soy Mujer,” the gypsy-influenced “Baila Conmigo,” and the driving beat of “Ven Conmigo.”
Her latest album ” DULCE SENSACION” (Sweet Sensation) features one of the first songs she ever sang, “Angel Baby” with a Spanglish and a Spanish version featuring a cumbia beat. “DULCE SENSACION” is the definitive release by Stefani Montiel. Loaded with radio-friendly hits, the album hints at Regional Mexican, Pop, and Tropical while still strongly rooted in the Tejano sound. The first single “Ay Papi” written by Stefani, included a Tejano, hip-hop, and “Mambolicious” tropical version which all drew immediate success and airplay throughout the country as well as Los Angeles, Miami, and Puerto Rico. Also included on this album are “Daria Todo,” “La Puerta,” and the fully orchestrated, “Hermoso Amor.” The painstaking detail of the arrangements, the lyrics, the vocal delivery and the production quality speak volumes of Stefani Montiel’s talent and earned her a nomination for “BEST TEJANO PERFORMANCE” at the first ever Latin Grammys in 2000.
Stefani Montiel has come a long way from that three year old little girl in New Mexico, to a sensational tejano superstar admired by thousands. A strong voice empowering today’s youth to reach for the stars and go for the glory, Stefani strives to give her all to her fans. Her optimistic outlook on life and positive attitude will help her continue on the road to success where she will reign as the “dulce sensacion” in the hearts of her fans.
Listen to “Sigo Enamorada” off “Divina”.
Stefani Montiel’s new album “Divina” available at All That Music & Video now!
Singer/actress Alejandra Guzman was born into a performing family, the daughter of Mexican actressSilvia Pinal and Mexican rock star Enrique Guzman. Appropriately enough for a celebrity baby, she made her first TV appearance when she was just two months old. She spent her childhood preparing to be a well-known performer in her own right, singing, dancing and traveling with her mom’s theatrical troupe. Following her mother’s wishes, she didn’t pursue a perfoming career fully until she finished school; after she graduated, the 17 year-old Guzman appeared in a production of Mame with her mother. From that day, she knew she wanted to be a singer.
